State to export 1,200 tonnes of mangoes to US

Karnataka will export 1,200 tonnes of mangoes to the US. Of this, a batch of 2.5 tonnes were sent on Thursday.

According to M Kamalakshi Rajanna, chairman, Karnataka State Mango Development and Marketing Corporation Ltd, after a two-month long discussion with representatives from USA and the Union government, an approval was given to several south Indian states, including Karnataka, to export mangoes.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Innova Agri Bio Park have teamed up with the board for the purpose.

The US has sought 500 tonnes of Alphansoes, 100 tonnes of Dusheri, 100 tonnes of Kesar and 500 tonnes of Banaganpalle. One tonne of mangoes were sent on June 22 and Karnataka aims to export 50,000 tonnes in the years to come.

“Since America has approved it, export to South Africa Spain, Italy, Sri Lanka and Australia would be easy,” Kamalakshi added. 

In Karnataka, at least 20% of the produce goes waste due to improper processing. While Singapore and Gulf countries import mangoes from India without any treatment, gama radiation treatment is mandatory for America, vapour heat treatment for Japan and hot water treatment for Australia is mandatory.